The Candelabra cactus ( Euphorbia trigona or Euphorbia cactus ) is a case of succulent , not a dependable coinage of cactus . Also call the African milk tree , this plant is a tall - growing branch succulent . This leafy cactus - like succulent has a central radical with offset that grow upwardly . Along the ridge of the stems are thorns and small oval - mould leaves .
To manage for theEuphorbia trigona : The Euphorbia cactus thrives when produce in filtered brilliant light , well - draining potting dirt , and low-spirited to average out humidity . Water the succulent when the soil dries . The minimum temperature is 55 ° F ( 12 ° C ) . Apply a balanced fertilizer monthly during the growing time of year .
The Euphorbia cactus is a recurrent , evergreen succulent native to Central Africa . Growing outdoors , the African milk tree has dense growth and grows into a bush - like spiky plant — which is also shout out the African milk George H.W. Bush . At adulthood , the Euphorbia cactus reaches up to 6 ft . ( 1.8 megabyte ) in height .
Other vernacular figure forEuphorbia trigonainclude the in force luck cactus , cathedral cactus , friendly relationship cactus , dragon ’s bones , the high chaparral plant life , and Abyssinian Euphorbia .
This species ofEuphorbiasucculent is popular with many houseplant possessor because it looks like a cactus . Thehouseplant ’s tall growthand ability to rise in fond tone create it first-class for tote up greenery to corners of room . Some spectacular Euphorbia cacti have cryptical red leave . TheEuphorbia trigonaRubra or Royal Red Euphorbia creates a dramatic visual instruction .
Euphorbia trigona ‘ Rubra ’
The Euphorbia cactus seldom bloom outside and never indoors .
In this comprehensive usher toEuphorbia trigonacare , find out how to make the industrial plant thrive .
Why Euphorbia Trigona (Euphorbia Cactus) Is Not a Cactus
Euphorbia trigona is atype of succulentand is n’t assort as acactus . ThisEuphorbiaspecies develop leave — which almost no cactus does . secondly , this cactus - like industrial plant exudes a toxic whitish - white sap when track , which is distinctive to aEuphorbia .
Despite its coarse names — Euphorbia cactus , lid - rack cactus , African Milk River cactus — the plant is from the succulent familyEuphorbiaceae . The works ’s cactus names get from its tall , upright ontogenesis and its thorn that emerge from the corner of the stem .
Looking at pictures of the Euphorbia cactus , it has a standardized increase habit to the saguaro cactus – both are identified by a tall , straightforward primal stem with upward - growing branches that calculate like arms .
Although Euphorbia Trigona looks like a cactus or a fiddling tree diagram / shrub , it is classified as a succulent
Why the Euphorbia Cactus is Called African Milk Tree
TheEuphorbia trigonagets its usual name ‘ African Milk River tree ’ from the toxic white-hot sap in its stems . Many species of succulent in the genusEuphorbiahave this milky latex substance . Cutting or puncturing the plant make milk to leak . Some mass mistakenly call this substance cactus sap .
Why is this plant that looks like a cactus called a tree ? In their aboriginal environs , Euphorbia trigonagrows as tall as 8 or 9 ft . ( 2.4 – 2.7 m ) . icon of full - grownEuphorbiacacti look like large , bushy trees . Also , their Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe , like an up - turned candelabra , is a reason why the “ trees ” are also called candelabra cactus .
If you are design on growing a Euphorbia cactus at home , you do n’t have to worry about its enormous height . Growing in a mass helps restrain its indoor growth . It is also well-off to prune the spiky succulent stem to originate more indoor “ tree . ”
Euphorbia Trigona is an Easy to Grow Plant
Euphorbia Trigona is an easy to develop low-down alimony houseplant
The tall - growing Euphorbia succulent is easy to grow indoors . For your ramification succulent to expand , all you need is a ponderous , glassless clay pot to support this indoor tree diagram like industrial plant , and well - draining , sandy soil . As with most succulents , they can go for a few weeks without any body of water .
When you get the potting soil mix and watering relative frequency right , you may put the plant life in a bright billet , protected from verbatim sunshine , and almost forget about it .
Euphorbia Cactus Flowers
Rarely , theEuphorbia trigonaproduces modest ashen or yellow - snowy bloom . The tiny Euphorbia cactus bloom are relatively insignificant compare to the prospicient upward stems . However , it ’s highly unbelievable that Euphorbia cacti blossom indoors — even under ideal growing shape .
How to Care for Euphorbia Trigona (Euphorbia Cactus or Candelabra Cactus)
Although Euphorbia cactus is n’t a real cactus , you care for it similarly as you wouldlook after a cactus plant .
Candelabra Cactus Light Requirements
Euphorbia Trigona succulent grow well in a shining collateral light
post your Euphorbia cactus in a bright billet where it catch tidy sum of indirect sunlight . The improbable , upright candelabra cactus grows well near a south - front window but protected from direct sun that can burn the industrial plant . Euphorbia succulents also expand in fond shade in an east- or Benjamin West - facing room . The Euphorbia needs at least four hours of bright sunlight daily .
During longsighted hot summer , the candelabra cactus may need some aegis from full sun . If you find that the plant is accentuate from the hot Dominicus , move it to a shadier place . If you have the crimson species of succulent — Euphorbia trigona‘Rubra’—you will find that plenty of sunshine helps to keep the parting a cryptic violent color .
The candelabra cactus arise good in undimmed light . But you may bump that it adapts well to shaded field or morose shoes — for case , north - facing rooms . However , without adequate light source , theEuphorbia trigona’sgrowth becomes thin . Also , a want of ignitor may make the succulent stem to darken in color .
How to Water Euphorbia Cactus
A Euphorbia cactus does n’t need much water . Only water the cactus like works whenever the stain dries out . In the summertime , you may only have to irrigate the industrial plant every ten to 14 days . In winter , you ’ll rarely have to water the succulent at all .
To know when to irrigate aEuphorbia trigona , check the top 2 ” ( 5 cm ) of soil for moisture . If there are any signs of dampness , you ’ll need to wait . As withwatering type of cacti , the grime should dry between watering . The worst thing you could do to succulent or cacti is to let their roots baby-sit in soggy land .
To urine candelabrum cactus plants , pour enough water in until it drains from holes in the peck ’s base . This eccentric of bass watering ascertain the ascendent get appropriately hydrous . Allowing all the excess water to drip out also makes sure that too much moisture does n’t stay in the pot .
An glassless terracotta pot is the best variety of container for turn a Euphorbia cactus . The weight of the pot help keep the works steadfast — essential when the Euphorbia grows marvelous . Also , wet evaporates faster from clay sight than plastic ones . This type of container for succulents prevent soil from staying too damp .
The good news is that Euphorbias are adrought - tolerant type of houseplant . So , you could bequeath them for a few weeks without water . think — it is better to underwater cacti and succulents , rather than overwater them . Your Euphorbia will thank you for a bit of neglect .
The Ideal Potting Soil for Euphorbia Cactus
All species of succulents — includingEuphorbia trigona — must grow in sandy cacti grunge with splendid drainage . Create a growing medium for cacti and succulent by commix one - part peat moss and one - part perlite . Or , you could use a suitable cactus mix for growingEuphorbiasucculents .
The candelabra cactus is an light - to - grow houseplant when you grow it in the right soil . A sandy , loamy potting soil that allows water supply to drain fast is idealistic for these plants . If the soil is too dense , you could add pumice stone orperlite to increase aeration . A light , activate soil also allows the Euphorbia cactus root to have enough O for goodish outgrowth .
aim the two essentialEuphorbia trigonacare requirements right , means you ’ll have a succulent that develop well . The two factors are :
Temperature Requirements for Growing Euphorbia Cactus
modal room temperatures are idealistic for growing African Milk River plant life indoors . The Euphorbia houseplant thrives in a room temperature range of between 64 ° F and 78 ° F ( 18 ° light speed – 26 ° C ) . The minimal temperature that Euphorbia cacti grow is 55 ° F ( 12 ° C ) . Protect the African milk cactus from cold drafts in winter .
Growing out of doors , the multi - cauline succulent feels at home in spicy , arid climate . you could also plant Euphorbia cactus plants in your backyard if you live in USDA zones 11 and above . In temperate climates , you could take the potted Euphorbia cactus outside in summertime . call back to bring it back indoors when the temperature drops to 55 ° F ( 12 ° C ) . The succulent could get if it ’s leave alone out below 50 ° F ( 10 ° C ) .
Although candelabrum cactus plants grow well in most indoor conditions , they need plenty of atmosphere movement . During summertime , assure there is near strain circulation near the flora . However , avoid allowing the potted cactus like works to stand in a cold draft or air - conditioning airflow .
Humidity for Euphorbia Cactus
African milk plants ( Euphorbia trigona ) do n’t have any special humidness requirements . Average way humidity floor are ideal . The Euphorbia ’s love of dry air think of that you do n’t ask to mist its leaf . As long as you only hydrate the soil when it dries and place the plant in bright sun , it will thrive without extra humidity .
As with originate most succulents and cacti at home , too much humidity can be their downfall . Overly - humid condition can lead in problems that put your cathedral cactus under stress . Some military issue associated with excessive atmosphere wet are root rot , fungal disease , or houseplant pestilence .
Euphorbia Trigona Cactus Growth Rate
Candelabra cactus flora have a relatively boring growth pace in containers . As a houseplant , theEuphorbia trigonacan finally grow to 6 foot . ( 2 m ) . But you may easily control its pinnacle by pruning the acme off the root . Of naturally , Euphorbia cactus growth is faster in spring and summer than during its dormant period in winter .
Fertilizer for Euphorbia Cactus
FertilizeEuphorbia cactuswith a dilute water - soluble plant food for succulent or cacti . Apply the fertilizer solution every three to four weeks during the growing season — give and summer . Do n’t put up plant food when the plant stops arise in capitulation and winter .
To ensure healthy and rapidEuphorbia trigonagrowth , flush the territory every two to three month during the growing season . good drenching the soil helps gargle off extra minerals that can build up in the soil . All you need to do is endure water through the potting mix for a minute or two and allow it to run out completely .
How to Propagate Euphorbia Cactus
practice bow cuttings to propagateEuphorbia trigonaplants . To spread the succulent , just contract a 3 ” to 4 ” ( 7.5 – 9 cm ) plane section from the top of a root . you could then plant the new - rationalize stem in fresh potting mixture , and it will start out taking root after three week .
One matter to remember when propagate candelabrum cactus is to use protective gear . Before handle the works , put on sound - tariff gloves , goggles , and cover exposed areas of peel . Using protection when broadcast these succulent will protect you from the irritating whitish saphead in the plant ’s stems .
instruction on how to propagateEuphorbia trigona :
The stalwart succulent stem root apace , and you’re able to soon arise new plant .
Repotting Candelabra Cactus (Euphorbia Trigona)
Transferring an African Milk River plant life to a new pot is relatively straightforward . Due to the plant life ’s growth , there are a few things to keep in mind when repotting . For exemplar , you need to protect yourself from skin contact with the toxic sap . Also , you involve to protect the long barbed stanch from puncturing each other and your skin .
statement to repotEuphorbia trigona :
Pests Affecting Euphorbia Cactus Growth
mealy bug and exfoliation insects are two types of pests that can invade candelabrum cactus plants . These sap - sucking pests eat on the juices of your plant and can affect its growth . Learn how to spot thesigns of rough-cut houseplant peststo keep flora goodish and roaring .
Diseases Affecting Euphorbia Cactus Growth
Root rot make by overwatering is a common disease that can kill candelabra cactus works . The good way to forefend fungous houseplant diseases is to avoid watering too often . Only water Euphorbia cactus plants when the top layer of soil is totally dry .
If yourEuphorbia trigonahas brown , indulgent stems or arm , it ’s in all likelihood a sign of rot . Trim off the snuff it stems and dispose of in the scrap — don’t compost them . Hold off watering until the potting soil of African milk cactus dries . In a regretful - case scenario , you may have to repot the succulent in novel potting mix to economise it from dying .
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FAQs About Growing African Cactus (Euphorbia Trigona) at Home
Is Trigona Euphorbia poisonous?
Yes , Euphorbia trigonacontains a whitish poisonous rubber-base paint . Medicalreportssay that its toxic lily-white sap can cause skin inflammation , irritation , and burning . There are reported grammatical case ofEuphorbiasap make vision problems and even cecity if it gets into the eyes .
Do all euphorbias have milky sap?
Many species of plants in the genusEuphorbiahave this bloodless viscous cosh that irritates the skin , mucous tissue layer , and the eyes .
AreEuphorbia trigonaplants toxic to animals?
Veterinaryexpertssay that many succulents in the genusEuphorbiaare toxic to dogs and cats . They advise you to avoid having any eccentric of genus Euphorbia at dwelling if you have ducky .
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